October is the perfect time for a honeymoon! Whether you’re seeking sandy beaches, ancient cities, quirky neighborhoods, luxurious vineyards, or lush jungles, your dream honeymoon destination is just a few paragraphs away.
Cape Winelands, South Africa
Once you’ve arrived and explored Cape Town, drive up to the Cape Winelands for a taste of the slow life.
As the name would imply, the Winelands are a wine region with many vineyards, which often double as romantic resorts.
Hot air balloon rides, picnics in the countryside, horseback riding, helicopter rides, art gallery hopping, and, of course, wine tasting are a few of the popular activities in the region.
The dining scene in the Winelands is also fantastic for farm-to-table cooking featuring fresh, local ingredients. If you are tired of wine tasting, don’t forget to sample the chocolate and cheese!
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
When you think of Bora Bora, images of thatched roof huts stilted over aquamarine waters with lush palm trees and hammocks instantly come to mind. Some honeymoon destinations don’t live up to their hype – Bora Bora is not one of them.
Located in the South Pacific Ocean, this island paradise is often described as a jewel amid the vast ocean – an apt description considering the island covers about 11 square miles. But it is Bora Bora’s compact size and commitment to maintaining its natural beauty that makes visiting here a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Plus, there is plenty of sunshine!
Buenos Aires, Argentina
October is the beginning of spring in Buenos Aires and the perfect time to experience one of the most vibrant places in South America! As you walk through the narrow streets of the capital city, you will see people dancing the tango in Plaza Dorrego, flowers in bloom in the city’s parks, and busy outdoor markets.
Indulge in the city’s famed culinary scene with dishes influenced by Italian, Spanish, and indigenous cuisines. Santos Manjares and Don Julio are two of the best restaurants to try traditional Argentinian steak, fine wine, and other delicious options.
Buenos Aires is a great destination for lovers of exquisite architecture, historic places, and the arts. We recommend visiting Teatro Colón (a magnificent theater), El Ateneo Grand Splendid (a bookshop that could be in Beauty and the Beast), and Casa Rosada (a rose-colored historic building).
Phuket, Thailand
The tail end of the rainy season is a great time to visit Phuket (Thailand’s largest island) because the beaches aren’t as crowded, and you can find some amazing luxury resort deals.
Anyone asking the question, “Is Phuket too touristy?” will love visiting in October because you can see more of the “real” Phuket during this time of year, and everything is so lush and green from months of rain.
We recommend staying near Mai Khao Beach, Rawai Beach, or Kata Beach if you enjoy peace and tranquility. Although Patong Beach is famous, it’s not romantic at all and definitely not the place for your honeymoon. The most gorgeous beaches are Freedom Beach, Ya Nui Beach, and Banana Beach.
Curaçao
If your heart is set on a Caribbean island and you can’t change your date, Curacao is your best choice.
Although October comes at the end of hurricane season in the Caribbean, Curaçao is located outside of the hurricane belt. This makes it a much smarter choice for your honeymoon. Known for its crystal-clear, aquamarine waters, this island destination is perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, and paddling in a clear kayak (you can literally see all these sea creatures like you’re in an aquarium).
We recommend Sandals Royal Curacao because it is an all-inclusive, adults-only resort that offers complimentary PADI-certified scuba diving, as well as 13 bars and eight restaurants with unlimited dining.
Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, the Whitsunday Islands are made up of 74 inhabited and uninhabited islands.
Picture powdery, white sand beaches and azure waters. These pristine beaches are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the perfect honeymoon destination for sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming.
The coral gardens offer a variety of soft and hard corals – we’ve never seen more beautiful coral in the world! Hamilton Island is one of the most popular places to visit and a tourism hub. Here you can embark on tours, shop and dine in Marina Village, as well as see dingos, kangaroos, and koalas at Hamilton Island Wildlife.
Santorini, Greece
The white-washed walls, blue church domes and bright fuchsia bougainvillea flowers set against the ocean backdrop make Santorini one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
It’s also one of the most popular honeymoon spots of all time! However, you are in luck because September and October offer breathtaking views and fewer tourists.
If you are considering getting epic “flying dress” pictures, we recommend one of two things: 1. be prepared to spend $300 to $900 for a professional shoot or 2. buy your own flying dress on Amazon (it’s surprisingly compact) and then get your husband to take the photos.
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
We’ve included this specific reserve on our list because it is the best place to see the Mara River Crossing from July to October.
If you haven’t heard of this incredible event, don’t worry! The Mara River Crossing is a part of the Great Migration, which is the massive, annual migration of over 2 million wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and other animals across the grasslands of East Africa. If you’re looking for a safari honeymoon, there is no better place to be.
Accommodations range from luxurious tent encampments to the bare basics. Regardless of which type you choose, you must reserve your accommodations well in advance.
Keep in mind that you can also see the Mara River Crossing from the northern Serengeti in Tanzania.
Tuscany, Italy
October is grape harvesting season in the Tuscan region and truly the best time of year to visit. The hills turn a warm golden color with sunflowers, orange and red leaves on the grapevines, and a bit of silvery-green from the olive trees.
We recommend visiting at least one of these vineyards: Antinori Chianti Classico, Capezzana, or Castello di Verrazzano (make sure to schedule the full tour with lunch). The temperatures are mild and you will be able to wander the cobblestone streets of Siena and Montalcino with just a light sweater.
Bali, Indonesia
People often say there isn’t a bad time to visit Bali, and we have to agree. October comes right at the end of dry season, which means that you should expect the occasional shower (mainly in the afternoon), but you can also enjoy lower prices and less crowded beaches.
It’s the perfect time to visit some of Bali’s most famous temples, including Pura Tirta Empul, one of the most sacred water temples on the island.
You should also visit the cafes in Seminyak and Canggu and take advantage of the less crowded beach clubs in Uluwatu. Ulu Cliffhouse is our favorite!
Bali is also one of the most affordable honeymoon destinations, featuring many mid-range accommodations starting from $50 per night.
Napa Valley, California, USA
Located just north of San Francisco, Napa Valley is the heart and soul of California’s wine scene and one of the most romantic getaways on the West Coast.
In October, the temperatures are warm and the rolling hills turn a deep gold that almost glows in the sunlight. You can choose from small guesthouses, opulent spa resorts, converted vineyards and high-end hotels.
If you aren’t a wine drinker, you can still enjoy the scenic views, local boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants, and variety of excellent day trips. Exploring the streets of San Francisco and whale watching in Bodega Bay (you can see Blue Whales and Humpback Whales in October) are our favorite day trips from Napa.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Located on the southern end of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is one of the best beach destinations for your dream honeymoon.
During this time of year, the warm weather is enjoyable and the crowds aren’t as overwhelming. The golden sand and azure water will beckon you to swim, snorkel and simply enjoy. Lover’s Beach is our must-visit choice for Cabo, but it’s only accessible by water taxi.
Make sure you bring sneakers if you plan on exploring the island! Cabo has a variety of adults-only, all-inclusive resorts (check out the honeymoon suites and villas) that will take all the stress out of planning your honeymoon.
Mauritius
Located off the eastern coast of Africa, this island nation is made up of over 55 islands, but the main island (also called Mauritius) is the best choice for adventurous honeymooners.
This African country boasts beautiful beaches, pristine nature preserves, high-end resorts with luxurious spas, and private islands.
Couples can enjoy a variety of memorable honeymoon activities, including playing a round of golf, cycling, hiking, wine and rum tasting, taking a sunset catamaran cruise, and kitesurfing.
Mauritius is also a fine dining destination with many resorts offering curated, locally-sourced menus. Overall, Mauritius is definitely a luxury destination and a good choice for couples with a higher budget.
Charleston, North Carolina, USA
For couples who don’t want to honeymoon at the beach and don’t want to leave the country, Charleston is a great choice.
As you stroll down the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter, you will see beautifully preserved Antebellum mansions, manicured plantings, cute boutiques, and art galleries.
October isn’t as warm and humid as the summer months, with the average temperature ranging between 70 and 80 degrees.
The harbor views are simply stunning during sunset, and there are a variety of waterfront restaurants to choose from. You can also take a cruise, rent kayaks or even go for a carriage ride! However, it’s the food and laidback atmosphere that really draws us to Charleston, and it’s one of our favorite choices for a relaxing honeymoon.
Naxos, Greece
Although Santorini and Mykonos are the most popular honeymoon destinations in Greece, Naxos is a hidden gem and a place to experience authentic Greek culture.
Located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, Naxos experiences pleasant weather and temperatures around 75 degrees in October as the island transitions from summer to fall.
This gorgeous island is perfect for couples seeking a laidback honeymoon with homemade local meals and slow evenings. However, there are also plenty of activities, such as exploring the Temple of Apollo, going wine tasting, visiting the shops and restaurants of Chora, hiking, and swimming in the sea.
Tahiti, French Polynesia
October is a great time to visit the picture-perfect honeymoon beaches of Tahiti, with its average temperature between 70 and 85 degrees.
You can choose from a variety of luxury hotels with fantastic beachfront locations, or you can stay in a romantic overwater bungalow. While the main island of Tahiti is a great place to explore waterfalls, visit markets and walk through the botanical gardens, the smaller islands feel like private paradises.
Tikehau is a crescent-shaped atoll (island) surrounded by blue water and incredible dive sites. It’s also home to a pink sand beach and is considered one of the most beautiful atolls in Tahiti.
We recommend Tahiti if you are a fan of water sports, almost private beaches, and have a larger honeymoon budget.
